Winter’s Impact On Deer by Grant Woods

In areas where the snow rarely exceeds one foot deep deer tend to simply limit their movement until the snow levels decline. There have been some unusually deep snows in states such as Kentucky this year. Folks in those areas may not see many deer or deer tracks for a few days until the snow depth decreases.

Although certainly stressful, deer in these areas tend to survive. There certainly may be a lag effect of reduced fawning rates or antler size the following year, depending on how long the deeper than normal snow cover lasts.

If deer lose a significant amount of weight, regaining their health will take precedent over producing antlers and fawns the following summer. Current winter conditions can have a big impact on herd health next spring